When I used to live in Kenya, the days seemed to meander by. I adored the relaxed pace of life here, but since we have been back, the time has been very full. Last I left you we were organizing the funds to furnish an apartment to keep our most needy children. Yesterday, I met one of the little boys that we are hoping to move in.
He is a tall quiet boy in the third grade. His mannerisms are respectful and sweet. I was broken to hear that his father had passed and the family has rejected both the boy and his sister. This culturally accepted practice leaves many children “orphaned” and on the street fighting for safety and shelter. Samuel tells me that when he began his studies at the school, he was rude and disruptive because he had been so mistreated and had lived in the street for several weeks. Now, he is coming up well in his studies, walks with confidence, and smiles one of the sweetest smiles that begins in his eyes and stretches all across his face. Our prayer for this little boy and his sister is that they will come up knowing they are valued and loved not only by their teachers, but by God.
Did I tell you I felt like the Pied Piper the other day? We went for a walk through Soweto and all these children started following us. They were fascinated by Jasiri and kept saying, “mtoto mzungu” meaning white baby. By the time we returned to the church, we had over fifty children following us. I was reminded that there are so many more children in Soweto that need to be reached. Sometimes I must admit to being frustrated with the limits we have right now. I voiced such to Samuel and he said, “Mama Sundi, remember from where we came and how far we have come. We are so grateful.” It is good he has more patience than I do!
Yesterday, Aimee and I repaired sweaters all day! I have not crocheted since I was like twelve! However, their sweaters were such a mess and well we were there, so… We still have about half to repair, but we made a good dent in the pile and on Thursday we sew buttons! The ladies in the school put us to shame with their sewing skills, but they are so busy with lesson prep and implementation that the task gets left. It gives us a way to contribute and we are glad to be busy.
I am staying home tomorrow to let the kids rest while Aimee goes to minister in the woman’s prison. On Thursday, we will take Aimee back to day goodbye. We are hoping to begin the construction of the gate on Thursday as well, but we may save the knocking down of the wall for Jeromy! J, you better get a couple of good lifts in before you come out! That wall is thick!
So, I’ll close for now. I wish I could make it so you could feel what it is like to see these kids everyday, to hold their hands, and know that they have a hope, they have a future because somebody in America is willing to do without a little so they can have a lot. When I used to blog, I shared my heart openly. For some reason, I am struggling here to get the emotions across. I guess maybe I am trying to stick to only the facts…hmmm, I think I should change that.
Closing for real now. As they say in Kenya, “Tutaonana Kesho” “We will greet one another tomorrow!”
Mama Sundi
ok, so it has been several days since I wrote this, but this is the first chance I have had to post it…hoping the internet holds out and it gets sent!
Looks like Soweto will be having a few new visitors over teh next few weeks! Our friend Dana is planning to fly out with Jeromy, and then Amanda is planning to fly out June 1st and remain for two months!! How exciting both for the people of Soweto and for her! I envy her! While here, she will be helping us to get better running records of the kids, move ten of our kids into the new building, and support the teachers in any way she can. We are excited about the possibilities that await her. Hope she is able to leave in two months!
So, Samuel called me this morning and told me that he was called by the police in Soweto yesterday afternoon. Aparently a two month old girl was abandoned on the street near one of the hawer’s stalls. Knowing Samuel as they do, the officers called him to come and help them figure out what they should do. I think that speaks a lot to our Sam’s reputation. One of the ladies from the church was among the crowd that stood nearby. She walked up to Sam and said, “Ever since Baba Sundi spoke in the church about adoption, it has been on my heart. I will take this baby home and if the mother is not found, we will keep her.” Now, laws and rules might change that, but for now while they look for the mother, this family is caring for her. We are going to take some milk and clothes over to her tomorrow. It never ceases to amaze me the ripple effect that one act has on another. While I believe that God will accomplish his plan with or without us, it is a privilege to get to be a part of the ripple! Closing for now.
Mama S